The first half of Anathem was stunning world-building, but the second half fell apart for me. I had exactly the same reaction to Seveneves, too 😟
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My reaction to most of Neal’s books. They can lose ateamnear the end. Crypto… does not, neother does Readem ( great sendup too )
jul 23, 2025, 10:27 pm • 0 0 • view
I got stuck halfway through Seveneves - need to try it again at some point. I seem to remember that it took more than one go to finish Anathem as well… I’m still not sure I fully understand the final section on the world ship…
jul 23, 2025, 3:54 pm • 0 1 • view
But the ending of SevenEves was so good!
jul 23, 2025, 6:45 pm • 0 0 • view
I never even got close 😄
jul 24, 2025, 2:39 am • 1 0 • view
Yeah, I skimmed the parts where he just couldn’t resist explaining the different machines…but the part where they meet with…I don’t want to ruin it for you but it’s worth it
jul 24, 2025, 3:28 am • 0 0 • view
Read Stephenson’s books from ‘88-‘15. 2 newer ones on a Tsunduko shelf. Anathem took several starts to finish. Seveneves felt like two stories.
jul 23, 2025, 10:47 am • 2 1 • view